Coffee and Walnut Loaf Cake

Ingredients

**For the Cake:**
– 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– ¼ cup (60ml) strong brewed coffee, cooled
– ¼ cup (60ml) milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ¾ cup (75g) chopped walnuts

**For the Frosting:**
– ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 ½ cups (190g) powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ¼ cup (25g) chopped walnuts, for topping

Preparation

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. **Make the Cake Batter:**
– In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
– Add the softened butter, eggs, brewed coffee, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
– Fold in the chopped walnuts.

3. **Bake the Cake:**
– Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. **Prepare the Frosting:**
– In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
– Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
– Stir in the dissolved coffee granules and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

5. **Assemble the Cake:**
– Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the coffee frosting evenly over the top.
– Sprinkle with the remaining chopped walnuts.

6. **Serve:**
– Slice the cake and serve as a delightful treat with coffee or tea.

Enjoy your homemade coffee and walnut loaf cake!